RAINY weather makes pets happy or sad. Happy if they are indoors and could just nap away and stay close with their human. Sad if they are forced to stay outdoors in a gloomy weather that restricts their movement anyway. If there's a compelling reason you cannot allow your pets, especially dogs, to temporarily stay inside your house during bad weather, make sure you provide them a good shelter from the rain.

BAD WEATHER CAN STRESS ANIMALS, ESPECIALLY THOSE KEPT OUTDOORS. AS A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER, THERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN MAKE THE RAINY SEASON PLEASANT, OR AT LEAST TOLERABLE, FOR YOUR PETS.

Here are some suggestions to help outdoor pets fair better during the rainy season: 1. If you must keep your dog outside, provide an area where it can hang out comfortably without being rained on. A covered or roofed garage, laundry area or porch may be close enough to being indoors, just make sure your dog has a dry bedding where it could stay safe and warm.

2. A waterproof doghouse is recommended. It should be spacious enough to let the dog lie down, stretch out and stand up without its head touching the roof. Place the doghouse in a high ground and make it stand at least several inches off the ground to make sure it doesn't get flooded during heavy rains. Put towel or blanket inside the doghouse to keep your dog warm. 3. Give your backyard dogs toys to chew on, adequate food and plenty of fresh water. These things should be easily accessible to them and kept away from the rain. 4. Check on them constantly. Dogs crave human companionship and it would be good for their mental health to see you regularly even for short times only, especially when the weather is ominous. 5. For dogs that love water, use the rain to do something fun. Walking or playing in the rain offers a unique way to bond with your dog and a good way for both of you to get some exercise. There's always plenty of time to enjoy the bed weather after.

6. Serve them hot or warm food. Like humans, dogs also need to stabilize their body heat especially when they are exposed to the elements. Hot food releases the aroma and whets your dog's appetite and quickly warms them up inside. 7. Some dogs are afraid of thunderstorm. To take away their fear and stress, put them where they could see and hear you. Your presence will reassure them things will be okay and familiar sound will put them at ease.

8. If you know a dog that is left tied, caged or under substandard condition and exposed to rain, report the situation to your barangay or an animal welfare group. -- MetroPets